Publication Abstract

Model-Based Decision Making Through Simulation-Optimization Decision Support Systems

Hill. T. W., & Greenwood, A. (2007). Model-Based Decision Making Through Simulation-Optimization Decision Support Systems. 2007 Flexsimposium. Park City, UT.

Abstract

The Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) and the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at Mississippi State University have collaborated during the past several years to improve their clients’ organizational performance through “model-based decision making.” The MSU research and development team has developed methodologies and tools that help put sophisticated engineering technologies – such as simulation and optimization – directly into the hands of decision makers. This presentation will describe their general approach to designing, developing, and deploying decision support systems (DSS) and provide examples from project sponsored by, among others, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, the Office of Naval Research, U.S. Forest Service, and Mississippi State University. The three projects that will be discussed include: (1) an integrated scheduling system that uses simulation and optimization technologies to determine the best production sequence, over long- and short-term planning horizons, for sets of unique parts through a bottleneck shop, (2) a multi-plant work and capacity planning system that effectively integrates project planning tools (for high-level bottleneck analyses) and discrete-event simulation software (for detailed shop-floor operational analyses), and (3) a training tool that uses simulation and experimentation to develop an understanding of the relationships between key plant decision variables and performance measures in order to facilitate the implementation of lean manufacturing. The presentation will conclude with a brief discussion of lessons learned and future directions.